With the new agreement, Oklahoma City avoids potentially losing its franchise player to free agency next summer. The Thunder added former all-stars Paul George and Carmelo Anthony this offseason, but both players could test free agency in July.

Westbrook, a two-time All-Star Game MVP, enjoyed a career season in 2016-17, averaging a triple double in points (31.6), assists (10.4) and rebounds (10.7) per game to win the NBA MVP award. He lead the Thunder to a sixth-place finish in the Western Conference and playoff appearance in the franchise’s first season without former MVP Kevin Durant, who signed with the Golden State Warriors last offseason.

Westbrook, a former No. 4 overall pick, has emerged as one of the NBA’s biggest stars and seems to be shining even brighter in Durant’s absence. With the addition of George and Anthony, the Thunder are expected to be one of the biggest challengers to the defending NBA champion Warriors in the Western Conference.

Jason has contributed to numerous websites in the past covering a wide range of sports including SEC football for the past four seasons. He began his journalism career as a student journalist at the University of Tennessee where he covered the Vols for the student radio station and newspaper. Here’s ...Read more